08 May: Helston Flora Day

The famous Flora Day celebration is believed to be pre-Christian and at one time during the Victorian era was banned as being “a drunken revelry.” Dancing begins at 7am with gentlemen wearing shirts and ties and the ladies in light summer dresses. Not long after the Hal-an-Tow, a boisterous mummers’ play featuring scenes of St George slaying the Dragon begins cheered on by a crowd dressed in Lincoln green and Elizabethan robes. The children of the town dance at 10am wearing flowers and lily of the valley and at midday the formal dance of the day begins with men wearing morning dress and the ladies decked out in magnificent ball gowns and hats that could be the envy of Ascot. To round off the day of dancing, the Evening Dance starts from the Guildhall at 5pm. All in all, a great family day out.

The Flora Dance melody, played during the celebrations every year by Helston Town Band, is said to date back to a pre-Christian times. Put to words in 1911 by London born composer Katie Moss, the lyrics are allegedly based on a true incident when, whilst visiting Helston Floral Day, Moss was grabbed by a stranger who enticed her to join in the dancing.

10 May – 17 May: Fowey Festival of Words and Music

The Fowey Festival is set against the backdrop of the beautiful River Fowey estuary the Festival provides the very best of literature and the arts; talks, interviews, exhibitions, presentations, theatre, music, creative writing workshops, reading groups, literary luncheons, trails, guided walks and river cruises to enjoy, inform, challenge and inspire the imagination.

10 May – 17 May: Fowey Festival Family Fun Weekend

New this year is a Family Fun Weekend offering families the opportunity to engage with literature and the natural environment. Set in the beautiful grounds of Trenython Manor Hotel, the weekend offers a range of activities including; den-building, mask making, hidden haikus, willow weaving, nature trails, prize bran-tub, storytelling and meeting famous authors and illustrators.

10 May – 17 May: St Ives Literature Festival

Nine days of literature in St. Ives featuring book launches, poetry readings, workshops and open air events including poetry and prose readings, live music, comedy acts, creative writing workshops.

11th May: LostFest 2014

LostFest is the annual arts, crafts and music festival in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a hugely popular day of street arts, crafts, antiques, music, dance and entertainment all over town – fun for all the family.

Medieval Battle Re-enactment – Kernow Levy will invade Lostwithiel again this year! From midday onwards you’ll find their camp set up in St Bartholomew’s churchyard and there will be medieval fights around town throughout the day.

The event is entirely FREE and all proceeds go to FLEET charity.

23 May – 26 May: Newquay Run to the Sun Festival

The Run to the Sun Festival is a sight to behold as thousands of Volkswagon owners come from all over Europe for all things automotive, and a 3 day festival including Arenas, for DJ’s, Bands, Comics, Acoustics and the Silent Disco.

23 May – 26 May: Newquay Art 8 Festival

Now in its third year, Art8 is Newquay’s Arts and Culture Festival – four days bursting at the seams with events, exhibits and workshops involving film, craft, spoken word, dance, photography, theatre, music, literature and more. It’s a community festival with something for everyone – young and old, residents and visitors alike – with all activities free or low-cost. Supported by local organisations and businesses, the event is a celebration of existing activity in the town as well as an opportunity to welcome artists and performers from further afield. Central to the ethos of the event is a contribution to increasing Newquay’s positive profile. It’s also about developing the offering for those who are here. There’s plenty to see and do during the festival – so get involved!

23 May – 01 June: Fal River Festival

Celebrating life on the river Fal this is a community festival encompassing over 150 events, including a fish festival, gig racing, swimming, wildlife walks and lots more.

25 May – 26 May: Pirates on the Prom

Putting the “Fun” in Fundraising for the Penlee lifeboat station, Pirates on the Prom at Penzance 12 noon – 11:30pm, there will be a day of pirate related music, dance, parade displays and mayhem. Including an attempt to regain the pirate world record of fancy dress (count closes at 4pm). You must be dressed as a pirate to be counted into the restricted area on the Prom. This can be as basic as rolled up trousers white shirt or stripey top bandana or pirate hat, plus you need to carry two accessories – eye patch, hook, cutlass sword, pistol and/or telescope. You are, of course, encouraged to wear authentic pirate garb and pirate outfits.

Penzance will be celebrating its 400th anniversary of becoming a borough with the signing of the Charter of Incorporation by King James I, so what better way to celebrate? There will be a designated area for children with games, displays, rides and cannons and muskets!

26 May – 31 May: The Pendennis Cup

This regatta, organised by Pendennis Shipyard every two years, entices an impressive range of superyachts to the waters of Falmouth Bay for four days of challenging racing. The regatta has grown over the years, hosting seven yachts in 2010 and twelve in 2012. Between 10-15 yachts are expected to take part in 2014.